Devine Scripture

Acts 21:10

What does Acts 21:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 21:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 21:10 means

A prophet named Agabus comes down from Judæa while the group remains in Cæsarea for several days. Agabus is recognized and credible, known for delivering specific revelations. His arrival is God’s way of confirming the warnings already received. The pause of “some days” suggests time for fellowship, reflection, and readiness to receive a solemn word. God is not silent about the costs of obedience; He makes the path clear. Agabus does not come to discourage faith but to equip it—truthfully informing Paul and his companions that suffering lies ahead, so that when it comes, they will not be shaken or surprised.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as we tarried there some days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as we tarried there some days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And while we were waiting there for some days, a certain prophet, named Agabus, came down from Judaea.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And we remaining many more days, there came down a certain one from Judea, a prophet, by name Agabus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as we tarried there for some days, there came from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as we stayed there many days, a certain man, by name Agabus, a prophet, came down from Judaea,

Context

The narrative has moved from Tyre’s warnings (verse 4) to Cæsarea’s prophetic environment (verse 9). Now, in verse 10, an authoritative messenger enters the scene. Verse 11 will describe Agabus’s enacted prophecy about Paul’s impending binding and handover to Gentiles. The community’s emotional response in verse 12 follows naturally, leading to Paul’s resolute confession in verse 13 and the yielding of the group to God’s will in verse 14. This sequence clarifies that Paul goes to Jerusalem fully informed by the Spirit.

v.9Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied.

v.10This passage

v.11And coming to us, and taking Paul’s girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 11:28

    And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.

  • Acts 21:4

    And having found the disciples, we tarried there seven days: and these said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not set foot in Jerusalem.

  • Acts 20:16

    For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

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